Rubber-match
Posted on January 10, 2005 in Sports
Next weekend will be the much anticipated rubber match between the Colts and Patriots at “The Razor” in Foxboro. Things are much different this year as the Pat’s secondary is in decimated form and Manning is coming off the best year a QB has ever had.
Yesterday the Colts made quick work of the Broncos but nobody was surprised with that outcome. In the AFC Divisional Playoff Game next weekend they will be out of their posh heated indoor carpeted environment in real football territory, cold and hopefully snow covered frozen New England tundra up against much better competition.
There is no question if the venomous offence of the Pats can score points, the only question will be can the Law-less defense hold in the secondary and get in the face of Manning.
Last years Colts/Pats game did not disappoint in the least. The Patriots defense came up huge, stunning the colts on the 1 yard line 4 times consecutively and Ty Law picking off 3 Manning arrant ducks.
Over the past 3 seasons the Patriots have been a team of very little dissatisfaction, winning the close games and making the big plays when needed. With the game on the line the Pats do their best work, somebody seeming always stepping out of mediocrity into the spotlight thus reaffirming that the Patriots are the best TEAM of football players in the NFL.
Can this patchwork defense survive without being picked apart by the high flying colts? Will we see the return of the Pats we know and love after the lackluster season ending we had? Will Corey Dillon dole out stiff arms as often as Pedro Martinez hits batsmen? What aces does Belichick have up his sleeve? Will Manning prove again he is a regular season stud, but a playoff dud.
This and more will be answered 4:30 pm next Sunday, I can’t wait.
Go Pats.
RSS (2.0)
Previous Comments
No. No. No. None. No.
Perhaps we should make a friendly wager on this game...
I remember going through this last year with you Nicole, you must have already forgotten!
The Patriots are Manning's kryptonite.
No worries, Pats just signed cornerback Hank Poteat. He is 41 and hasnt played since preseason. Manning is all done!
That’s an interesting point Brian but Belichick is known for making brilliant moves, I wonder what the catch is that were not seeing. Could this be the ace in the sleeve?
Maybe he has cybernetic like arms that can extend 3 additional feet from his body.
With all the CB's in the league .. wonder why he was picked?
Have faith my man.
Looking at the numbers, the Colts D is way worse than it was last year at this time. And the Pats Offensive has improved. Last year we were 17th and this year 7th. We went from 27th in rushing to 7th this year.
Indy is 29th in yards allowed per game. Pats are 9th.
Last year Indy was 11th and Pats were 7th.
Those numbers a great, Brian, but there's one flaw. Going by last year's position vs. this year's position assumes that everything else remained equal. And Lord knows that in the end, numbers don't mean jack in the playoffs -- especially when you're talking about high-powered teams like the Pats and Colts.
I agree, numbers dont mean all too much in the playoff's. Brett Favre only threw 11 int's all year, threw 4 last weekend.
But Brian does bring up a good point .. if indeed this weekend becomes a shootout .. I think the pats can hang .. they can move the ball effectivly.
I think the only sure thing is where I will be this Sunday at 4:30pm.
Nicole, where is my potholder?
You are right, numbers don't mean everything but they do show some things. A Colts defense that has fallen to the bottom of the NFL means something.
Nicole shouldn't you be writing letters?
OOOOhhhh .. its about to get hostile up in dis hizzy.
Oh, I'm not saying the Pats can't hang. In fact, I'd say it will be an awesome game.
And, you'd be surprised Web. The potholder is like a potcozy now.
Yes, Brian, I should write letters -- I think I will send the first one to Tom Brady after the game.
"Dear Mr. Brady, Sorry to hear about your loss..."
untimely comment updating
Doesn't there have to be 3 games scheduled/played in order to have a "rubber match"?
Anyway, our Pats have shown time and time again, like a one armed hooker, we always overcome adversity.